I'll try and end the Hipple here.
242 (tie). This Year's Model – Elvis Costello and the Attractions (111 points)
@rockaction #18
@timschochet #37
@Dr. Octopus #47
This Year's Model is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released on 17 March 1978 through Radar Records. After being backed by Clover for his debut album
My Aim Is True (1977), Costello formed the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas (no relation)—as his permanent backing band. Recording sessions took place at London's Eden Studios in eleven days between late 1977 and early 1978. Nick Lowe returned as producer, and Roger Béchirian acted as engineer.
I love this album. This will always be a nod to (or cause me to recall)
@Eephus, even more than anything Dylan, because it's a reminder to me to be open-minded about music. Like with The Babys yesterday, there are two ways that I betray that I can be a total jerk:
1) rip on someone for something—it just never looks good
2) criticize music with vehemence
I did both at points yesterday. Just don't do it, rock. Shut. Up. I never mean either, anyway. It all blows over in a minute for me. My apologies to those who had to read it and the people it involved.
But back to the album. This is just, IMO, the finest power pop album (front-to-back) that you could ask for. From the opening strains of "No Action" through to "Radio, Radio," I'm not sure I've seen a better album, period, than this one.
I don't know what song to pick. If tim or Doc check in, I'd love to discuss it. If you asked me, tonight I'd go with "Little Triggers," but that's a deeper cut and I'm not sure it's representative of how much power is in this power-pop album. So hit me up, fellas. Love to hear what you think.